Tottenham recorded a hard-earned 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night to keep the club’s Champions League campaign on track – but the game could have been so different.
Certainly Spurs had the best of the action in the first half and Mauricio Pochettino’s men could and probably should have gone into the break in the lead.
However, a revival in the second half by a resurgent German host tested Tottenham mettle and it was a dogged defensive display that got the North London club over the line.
Hugo Lloris’ wondersave was something to behold; one of the real highlights of goalkeeping this season and an action worthy of confirming the Frenchman’s world-class status.
To put Tottenham’s point into context. Only (5) teams, in (40) games had ever kept a clean sheet (A) to Bayer Leverkusen in the CL. #THFC
— Jake Sanders (@JakeSanders92) October 19, 2016
That said, all of the back four put in admirable shifts, with Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen two of the main candidates for man of the match and Victor Wanyama a rock-solid enforcer in front of the defence.
Vertonghen caught the eye with his leadership in the absence of Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier put in a valiant display at right-back.
Leverkusen are a seasoned European side and have beaten top teams at the BayArena over recent years.
As such, Spurs’ defensive efforts must be lauded and the point they gained in Germany could well play a telling role in getting the club through to the next stage of the prestigious competition.